Remember that “Win a Kona Stinky” competition with the questionaire attatched about riders, teams and sponsorship?

Well looks like enough of you recognised the team names and thought that pro rider sponsorship was worthwhile after all, as Kona have launched their strongest team ever for 2002. Like many 2002 teams distributors Paligap have replaced one ‘big name’ sponsor (Ford) with a whole raft of smaller sponsors headed by to Bio-Racer clothing to retain top riders and keep Kona’s squad at the top of the game.

Top British Dual and downhill riders and Kona faithfuls Scott Beaumont, and Tracy Moseley head the 2002 roster with five new riders joining the team for 2002. Billy Cheetham and Adam Gascoigne will compete in the Junior categories in DH and XC respectively, while Neil Gard, Kathryn Newbery & Killian Lomas will be flyng the Kona flag on the UK Adventure Race scene. After successful 2001 seasons on the Kona development squad, Masters category DH & 4X rider Darren Howarth and XC and Road racer John Veness both join the full factory squad for 2002.

Team manager Russell Carty told us;

“Our aim for 2002 was to include Adventure Racers; which I know we have three of the best on the Circuit. I also wanted to include younger riders in the team and to help them to develop in mountain biking. I believe we have two of Britain’s best and with the help from more experienced team mates you will see these guys on the Podiums a lot this year!”

“The schedule for 2002 includes the full world cup circuit for Scott and Tracy with Tracy also competing in the whole NORBA series as well. Scott, Darren and Billy will ride the UK National Down Hill series along with the UK BSX Series and John + Adam will concentrate on the National XC series along with other major events like the Kona 100 and Redbull 24hr.”

“Neil, Kathryn and Killian our Adventure Racing Team will be competing in the British Adventure Racing Championships, Salomon Adventure Race Series and the Hebridean challenge to name but a few.”

The extensive sponsorship list includes Tioga for tyres, rims, stems, bars, saddles, grips, tubes & pedals, Cycleops for turbo trainers, Rockshox for front forks, Hayes for hydraulic disk brakes, SoCal for downhill pantsOnFire for the teams casual clothing, Shoei for downhill helmets, PROGOLD for energy drinks and bars, USE for seat posts, MRP for chain devices and RaceFace for cranks and bottom brackets.

For more information on Team Kona throughout the season check out Konaworld.UK.